Preparation for the World of Work - work experience and workplace skills
What the exam tests
Your ability to learn from a placement and describe it reflectively. The work experience summary report is a core portfolio item, and exam questions ask what was learned and how.
Before placement
Research the organisation, prepare or update your CV, agree learning goals with your teacher, and check travel, dress code and safety arrangements.
During placement
- Arrive on time and follow the dress code and mobile phone policy.
- Complete the safety induction and know emergency exits.
- Observe, ask questions and take notes for your diary.
- Respect confidentiality - never name clients or disclose commercial information.
- Show initiative within your role.
After placement
Write the diary up while it is fresh, ask your supervisor for the employer report, send a thank-you note, and reflect: what did I learn about the job, the skills and myself?
Workplace skills to evidence
Communication, teamwork, timekeeping, customer care, problem solving, digital skills, health and safety awareness, initiative.
Worked example
A student on hotel reception placement records a booking error. The diary entry describes the task (reconciling the booking system), the skill used (IT and communication), the action (phoned the guest, offered an alternative) and the result (guest satisfied, procedure changed). The reflection links this to an interest in hospitality management.
Traps
Writing a list of tasks with no reflection; breaching confidentiality; not obtaining the employer report; blaming colleagues; claiming skills without evidence; ignoring safety.